These photographs above were taken seven years ago, I had just got my D200 and captured Samantha and Daniella on the farm.

There must be something about living on a dairy farm, the fresh crisp air, horses, creamy farm milk and of course the stars on a clear night that draws one back to Cradock in the Eastern Cape. The last time we came down with the boys was exactly seven years ago, they are now a lot older, more strapping in their swagger and full of confidence. The transition from boyhood to manhood was evident or perhaps I was just becoming more mature. It was also the last time that I photographed Samantha and Daniella and I wondered just how much they would have changed during those seven years. Well Cradock certainly did not change much, perhaps a little bit busier but that could be due to the fact that it was end of the month.

Driving along the farm road leading up to the house, the first noticeable difference was the dairy which had become a fully automated rotary system, milking 60 dairy cows at a time. What other surprises were in store? As the car came to a stop and two weary parents clambered out the boys shot out and then there was a bit of hesitation as they were greeted by Samantha and Daniella. The transition from ducklings to swans was unbelievable. Don’t get me wrong they were beautiful girls seven year back, but Wow ! DSG hugs between the boys and the girls clearly showed me that the boys weren’t expecting this and were a little starstruck, chests expanded and flashy smiles were all the rage.

So here we were seven years later, new images were created and I can’t wait for the next time to photograph these two beautiful women in the next chapter of their lives.

p.s. By the time we left DSG hugs between the boys and the girls were non existent and were replaced with a strong bond of friendship and family camaraderie. Also many thanks to Lisa and Sandra owners of the Victoria Manor Hotel for allowing me to photograph in their Hotel.

Birthdays, can be hectic especially when it comes to the gifts department. Well for me anyway and it always turns out to be a last minute impulse buy. Gaylen had been hinting that for her birthday this year she wanted a portrait of the three boys. What could be easier, I now had a solution what to give her. So one afternoon I got the kids swimming gear ready, secretly packing in clothes for the shoot, which mind you with my dress sense and style I am sure that the boys would have preferred to have packed their own wardrobe. So far all good, now getting these three sons of mine to cooperate with their dad, with light fading fast and about 30 minutes of shooting time left was like being in the trenches. Just when you get ones attention the other two are goofing off and beating into each other. What fun. Finally after reading them the riot act I managed to get one image that I was happy with and would make a stunning canvas print for mom. The conversation on the way home was all about keeping the secret that they did swim and to make it more authentic they had better we their hair before entering the house.

Whats one the cards for next years gift? Most definitely another portrait of the boys seeing that I still have a whole 11 months and 27 days to prepare for it.

Above: The Portrait of the Three Brothers.